Why go for semi-permanent eyeliner? When it comes to makeup, we pay a lot of attention to our eyes. Why wouldn’t we? They’re the most expressive features on our face, the focal point, so they deserve attention. Even the simplest looks and makeup rituals will involve a little eye decoration, and there’s no easier way to frame the eyes than with a little eyeliner. Eyeliner, along with foundation and lipstick, is one of our most common makeup bag staples. But imagine for a moment that it wasn’t. Imagine a world where dragging your eyeliner around with you was no longer necessary.

For many of us, keeping our eyeliner game on point is a bit of a pain! You lovingly apply your liner every day, knowing full well that it will have faded or slipped by the time mid-morning comes around. You get stuck in the drizzle and end up with your painstaking application streaming down your face. You shop around to find the very best, long-lasting liners, only to be disappointed by their promise time and time again. What if all of this was to become a thing of the past?

With semi-permanent eyeliner, all of these problems will fade into memories. Your makeup is always done, without you having to do anything at all. No more rush jobs, no more panda-eyes, no more fuss!

What Is Semi-Permanent Makeup?

Semi-permanent makeup is most easily described as something similar to a tattoo. Of course, unlike a tattoo, it’s not permanent and uses an entirely different technique. Essentially, the process of applying semi-permanent makeup (‘micropigmentation’ as it’s also known) involves placing small particles of coloured pigment just below the surface of the skin. This creates the illusion of makeup and generally lasts for between 3 to 5 years. It’s awesome, but make sure you know what you want before you go for it!

Most commonly, this procedure is applied to enhance eyebrows, eyeliner shading and lips. It can also be used for more bespoke requests such as scalp micropigmentation.

How is Semi-Permanent Eyeliner Applied?

Many people may be put off by the idea of semi-permanent makeup. This is understandable considering the process is still relatively new, and only just coming into the mainstream. However, rest assured, not only are the techniques and procedures used extremely safe and hygienic, they are also quick and pretty painless.

As you can see from this clip on This Morning (ITV), all the processes are quite straightforward. In the case of eyeliner, the procedure goes something like this:

First of all, as with all semi-permanent cosmetic procedures, you’ll sit down and decide exactly what it is that you want. Will you go for something natural, or something fuller and more ‘out there’? Will you line both lids, or will you opt for just the top or bottom? Whatever you want, it can almost certainly be done. Once decided, some ‘before’ photos may be taken to give you an impression of the change once the pigmentation has been applied (and to show your friends so that they can be amazed at the change!)

Once you’re in the chair, the eyeliner will be applied with either a cosmetic pen or cosmetic micro-pigmentation device. The lines will be applied to your eyelids, wiped down and re-applied a number of times to make sure that the finish is really even and crisp. Then you’re done! Simple as that. The whole thing generally takes about 30 minutes to just over an hour.

We said it was pretty painless. But how painless? Well, most clients say that it’s no more painful than getting your eyebrows plucked or getting an eyelash stuck in your eye, which sounds reasonably bearable. You may also be wondering what the recovery is like.

The recovery time is virtually nothing. You might want to take it easy for an hour, but it’s not going to stop you getting on with the rest of your day! Some people get a bit of swelling during the 24 hours following the procedure. This is quite normal and does not generally interfere with the functionality of your eyes. It tends to pass with a good night’s sleep.

It’s important to note that you can’t wear mascara for at least 11-15 days and must also refrain from washing your eyes during this healing period with no application of any products.

For a more personal take on what the procedure is like, why not check out my reviews on Facebook.

What Are the Benefits of Semi-Permanent Eyeliner?

In our opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons. Here are 5 great reasons to go for it!

1. It stays on! The main benefit (and a reason for getting semi-permanent makeup applied) is that it stays on all the time, day or night.
2. Reduces wear on the skin. It’s much less stressful for your skin if you aren’t cleaning makeup off quite so often! Less abrasion equals less wear!
3. It saves money. Sure, getting the procedure done in the first place might be a bit of an outlay, money wise. But in the long run, you’ll save a heap of cash in standard makeup purchases. Remember, semi-permanent makeups last a long time.
4. It saves time. No more getting up extra early to apply eyeliner for work. You can eliminate that task from your ‘getting ready’ routine completely and use that time for something else.
5. Continuity. We’re highly trained and will make you look fantastic. That means you’ll look fantastic every single day. You may well be great at applying your own makeup as well, but this way you don’t have to worry about the odd day when you might get your eyeliner wonky!

The Importance of Seeking a High-Quality Therapist

Whilst there are some very good local makeup artists that we’re happy to recommend, when having something so long lasting done to your body, it’s imperative that you seek out a qualified and reputable semi-permanent makeup therapist. It’s even more important when you consider that this person is going to be poking around near your eyeballs! If you go for a cheaper or underqualified option, you’re risking your own safety, security and satisfaction; it really isn’t worth it.

Here at Immaculate Touch we’re experienced, qualified and, perhaps most importantly, talented makeup artists. We work with you to make sure that you end up with an end product that is of the highest quality and something that you’re excited to live with! If you’d like to know more, please get in touch for free advice or to book a consultation.